The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
As we celebrate the passing of another year and the birth of Jesus, it is a great opportunity for us to reflect on 2008. With all the changes in our nation and the economy, it is great to remember what Jesus said in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." In John 14:27 He says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” It is comforting to be reminded that the same God who made all, planned it all, graciously sent His son as a payment for our sin, also offers us peace found is Jesus Christ…no matter what trials come.
Even in trials, 2008 has been joyful for us in Jesus. We praise Him for a multitude of blessings above and beyond all that we could imagine. Some of the highlights include Papa Tom & Grandma Dee Dee officially becoming Oregonians (only 40 minutes from our house & have a German exchange student named Hanna to our “family” this year), visits from friends & family (including the Somervilles, the Henzie girls, Uncle Kevin, Grandma Denise & Grandpa Craig, Aunt Susie, Jennifer and cousins Emily & Ian, Uncle Fred & Aunt Sheila), traveling to Alabama to stay with the Carvers, flying to California (for Emily & Eric’s wedding & meeting cousin Jordan) and lots of fun family time (at the zoo, OMSI, concerts at the park, overnighters at the beach & Seattle, the Children’s Museum, going to the pool & hiking too). The most exciting event of the year was Abigail’s birth in January. Yes, Chris is now a wonderful daddy to two.
Chris continues to sell new construction real estate for Polygon NW. Though the housing market is challenging, Chris is blessed to work for a company that is still in business. He is “super thankful” to still be employed at a job he loves. Before he leaves for work he prays that he’d be able to glorify God and sell a home; God has been faithful to answers those prayers. Chris has consistently worked longer hours so his time at home is even more precious. Isaac can’t wait to see him when he gets home. Daddy loves to talk to Isaac about his day, jump on pillows with him in the living room, and eat popcorn while watching a movie with him on Mondays when Mommy is at the gym. Chris still leads Bible study on Thursday nights with an intimate group of good friends. It is a precious time and very encouraging when we’re all together.
Amber continues to stay home and has surprisingly adjusted to being Mommy to two very quickly. She has started preschool time with Isaac and loves filling his little “sponge” brain with stories, songs, information, letters/sounds, and scripture. She has been much more comfortable with having an infant the second time around (it also helps that her daughter is one of the easiest babies God ever made). She is actually comfortable taking both children solo to outings, events, and Costco (but greatly appreciates Grandma giving her breaks here and there). This fall, Amber started training for leading Ladies’ Bible study. It has been an intense study of Hebrews, but a very profitable and growing time that she enjoys and looks forward to continuing in the spring.
Isaac has changed so much this year physically and verbally. He constantly asks “Why?” not because he is challenging us but because he actually longs to know. His retention and ability to memorize constantly surprises us. He is at the age where he has a highly active imagination and has a silly sense of humor. His phrase of the year is, “Let’s talk about…” and is usually followed by an elaborate list of things that happened to a train. He tells us exactly what he wants us to tell him about; we retell him the story he tells us and add some extra exciting details. He loves books (usually 20-30 from the library at a time) and has even started listening to chapter books. He is beginning to remember what he it being taught in Sunday school and even, officially, memorized his first Bible verse, “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever,” Hebrews 13:8.
Abigail was born January 6th only 69 minutes after we arrived at the hospital. She was a big girl measuring 9lbs. 4.5oz. and 21.5 inches long. She started sleeping through the night within weeks. She is incredibly easy going and is generally content as long as she is fed, changed and rested. She has newly developed an obsession with Mommy. She is fine when Mommy is gone (like in the nursery or when Grandma baby-sits), but gets really upset if Mommy is nearby but out of reach or walks out of the room. She bobs to music, says “bru-bu” for brother, “Mom,” “Da-Da,” “mu” for more (and signs it too), “P” for please and “ba” for bath. She is a talker and not a doer; she only recently started army crawling and still isn’t very fast or persistent.
As we anticipate 2009, we look forward to our upcoming embryo adoption and the child/children God will add to our family. We rest in His control and are excited to watch His plan continue to unfold in our lives. We pray that you enjoy the richness of standing on Christ, our Rock, this next year, no matter what comes. May He be your joy in 2009.
Love, The Korens
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